Best Kids Parties: A Miffy and St. Patrick's Day Mashup

Perhaps not a natural pairing, but we think you'll agree that the two themes for Maren's party are two great tastes that taste great together. Her mom Lisa shares: Our girl was born on St. Patrick's Day. We didn't want to go full out with green beer and leprechauns, but thought at least a nod to the holiday would be appropriate for her first birthday. Paired with Miffy, one of our favorite children's book characters from Dutch artist Dick Bruna, we had a nice 'bunny and clovers' theme with all kinds of shades of green and yellow.

As a practicing architect, I have a few skills that come in handy for party making – especially in regards to graphics. Maren's invites were designed by recreating Bruna's wonderfully minimalist Miffy in Adobe Illustrator. That same graphic got printed in a few variations to sticker sheets: for snack bags, stickers to wear at the party, and also personalized favors for each of the kids. Once you take the time to draw something up – get some good mileage out of it! Miffy was also stenciled onto some personalized canvas backpacks (75 cents at Michaels!) with some green felt clover cut outs. Inside were some of the stickers and also a Miffy book. I got them all used on Amazon. To me it seemed a better option than the typical plastic and candy options for party favors.

I broke down and bought my first ever cupcake stand for this party and we filled it with vanilla and lemon options. Tea sandwiches were the primary non-sugar food, enjoyed by adults as well as kiddos who have a few teeth. Snack bags filled with puffs and yogurt melts were also a big hit with the younger party go-ers.

The one exciting discovery I made preparing for Maren's party was the wonderful world of tissue paper crafts. Yes, I just described tissue paper as exciting. I had bought several packages to make the infamous pom-poms, then realized hanging them might be an issue. I also failed miserably with my first attempt. So I used the paper for party hats and garlands. Quick and random cuts of tissue paper – any shape – can very quickly be machine sewn together for some nice garlands. With my mother wrapping the strand onto an empty paper towel tube as I sewed, I feel like we produced a few miles worth in less than 30 minutes.

The whole ordeal was a lot of work, but well worth it. Gotta give some credit to my husband, dad and especially my mom for pitching in and putting up with a stressed out Lisa leading up to the day. We had the party in the play space of a great re-sale shop in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn: Still Hip. Gaby – the owner was great and anyone in the neighborhood should check it out.

Overall it was a wonderful and memorable time thanks to fantastic family, friends and little ones who shared the day with us.